The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of official records concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Response
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would reveal personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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